More efforts to stem flow of migrants

The army yesterday stressed the need to maintain high levels of security along the border to stem the flow of illegal migrants from neighbouring countries and halt the spread of Covid-19 in Thailand.

Since the government announced the amnesty programme for illegal Cambodian, Lao and Myanmar workers that will run until Feb 13, authorities are expecting an influx of workers along the border, so security needs to be maximised, said army spokeswoman, Sirichan Ngathon, yesterday.

In an effort to improve the monitoring of foreign migrant workers’ conditions in Thailand amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the government recently decided to allow illegal migrants from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to stay for two years — provided they come out and register their presence with authorities.

Only migrant workers who were already in Thailand before Nov 29 last year are eligible for registration.

The army is patrolling the border more frequently, and more barriers have been installed along the border in Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces, Col Sirichan said, adding that drones are also being used to patrol the border from the air.

More security cameras and solarpowered lights have been installed around border crossings, and maritime patrols have also been stepped up, she said.

Five companies of border security troops have also been dispatched to support troops which were deployed last month, Col Sirichan added.

According to the official figures, a total of 7,390 illegal migrants were detained trying to enter Thailand illegally last year — 4,352 from Myanmar, 2,723 from Cambodia, 197 from Laos, while the rest were from other countries.

The spokeswoman added 109 Thais were arrested for assisting the illegal entry of foreign migrants last year.

Throughout last year, the army counted 32,766 land border crossings by returning Thai citizens, but 3,869 people failed to register with authorities upon returning, she said.

Another army spokesman, Santiphong Thampiya, said while the army is working closely with other local authorities to prevent illegal border crossings in border areas, the fact that many migrants still managed to sneak through means border policing still needs ramping up.